Meet adoptable deaf 9 week old Fritter (DOB 1/20/26) who is looking for a very special home with someone who will cherish him, make daily positive reinforcement training/socialization/enrichment a priority and always keep him safe. Fritter is 12 pounds of pure puppy joy and energy. Fritter is a heeler/cattle dog mix so he will keep his new family busy because heelers like to have a job to do. Deaf heeler puppies can excel in Rally, Agility, Flyball, Toss and Fetch and Nosework if you want to have a fun deaf puppy to compete in fun K9 games.
From his rescue advocate: Fritter is a brilliantly smart and brave pup! This handsome heeler mix is turning heads with his beautiful white coat, covered in mostly black speckles with adorable orange freckles around his neck and paws.
Fritter was born deaf and his foster family identified it when he joined them at 6 weeks old. He watches his people closely for cues and is picking up on routines very quickly. Deaf dogs may need to learn a little differently, but they are just like every other pup with all the love they have to give. Fritter seems like the kind of eager-to-please guy who will pick up whatever he is being taught.
Fritter is the perfect blend of confident explorer and ultimate snuggle bug. He loves curiously investigating new surroundings. But his absolute favorite thing is being cuddled close—whether he’s burrowed in the leaves, the tall grass, or right in your arms. Fritter loves to nuzzle into your neck, shower you with sweet puppy kisses, and gaze lovingly into your eyes until he finally tires out.
Born January 20 to a cattle dog mix mama (dad remains a mystery guest author in this story — possibly with a little hound in the plotline), Fritter has discovered that even little puppies can have big voices and aren’t shy about sharing their musical talents when they have important opinions to share. Because of that, he may not be the best fit for apartment living. We expect Fritter to be about 55-65lbs based on weight calculations.
While every dog is an individual, cattle dogs are generally high-energy working breeds that thrive with active owners who enjoy playtime, training, and giving their dogs jobs to do. As Fritter grows, he will need plenty of activity and mental engagement to be his best self. Interested adopters may want to spend a little time reading about cattle dog (heeler) traits by clicking here to make he is the right fit for their home. Fritter is still just a baby and is learning how to be a “dog”, so he will need a home ready to teach him all the important puppy lessons to help him grow into an amazing adult dog.
Fritter is being fostered in North Carolina, through Freedom Ride Rescue in Raleigh. Freedom Ride covers most costs related to the first few months of a dog’s life (microchip, vaccines, and neutering if you use the rescue’s vets).
If you’re looking for a confident, affectionate, and incredibly smart best friend who will always tell you what’s on his mind, Fritter is your perfect match!
Fritter’s adoption fee is $375 to a screened and approved home only. Because Fritter is 9 weeks old, his fee is $375. He already has his first DHPP vaccine and is microchipped and will receive Bordatella and his 2nd DHPP this weekend. The $375 covers neuter surgery if the adopter uses a Freedom Ride Rescue vet. Read more about their adoption process here: https://www.freedom-ride.org/for-adoption/